About Us
Why we help
ECCL aims to drive economic diversity by fostering the development and creativity of our citizens. This transformation will be rooted in enhancing our human capital through robust education, comprehensive training, and focused youth development.
Additionally, we will leverage our rich cultural diversity, history, and heritage to achieve this vision.
We are not alone
The ECCL is also aware of the global economic challenges faced by contemporary society. It follows that in order for us to grow and expand, the organisation must also adopt to the changes in our socio-economic environment by learning and adopting new means of production and techniques in craft.
How we contribute
Craft cannot merely be viewed as a past-time or hobby. Rather, it has the potential of becoming a sustainable industry, capable of generating revenue, creating new avenues for employment and contributing to the GDP of Trinidad and Tobago.
What we do
ECCL can be viewed as a ‘developmental’ organization contributing to community development and social transformation.
Our Story
The Export Centre Company Limited (ECCL) was established and incorporated under the companies Act of Trinidad and Tobago on July 3rd, 1996. ECCL was originally mandated to empower members of rural communities, particularly, female heads of households through the production of craft for the export markets.
During the period 2009-2010 there was a shift in organizational strategy with regards, the training programme was re-designed to incorporate a wider cadre of trainees and subsequent craft producers.
The Export Centres Company Limited (ECCL) is a State Agency, under the purview of the Ministry of Sport and Community Development, mandated to develop and revitalize the Craft Industry, through the training and development of local artisans and socially- disadvantaged persons with the skills to produce quality items for self-subsistence and for export, resulting in the maximization of the industry’s contribution to the economic diversification of Trinidad and Tobago. ECCL seeks to contribute towards economic diversification by building on the creative talent of our people and leveraging critical stakeholder engagement and partnership initiatives to commercialise the Craft Sector in Trinidad and Tobago to provide revenue streams with a focus on export.
Craft Hub TT’s National Online Wholesale Craft Store is an initiative formulated by ECCL to further expand on this mandate by bringing our Artisans into the age of digitalization. By providing them a platform to expand their e-commerce potential, our National Online Wholesale Craft Store provides craft items made by Trinidad and Tobago’s artisans for wholesale purchase. Some items may be customized or branded with your logo, texts or artwork. The store features an assortment of calabash & bamboo craft, copper craft, bath and body products, traditional local wines, trophies & plaques, First Peoples’ craft, leather craft, traditional sauces/condiments, wooden craft, office & home décor and more. We also carry customizable and corporate gifts, corporate merchandise, and corporate tokens.
Carnival Bands, Weddings & Event Planners, Retailers, Restaurants, Government Bodies, Corporate Entities and Offices; we have customizable local craft to meet your company’s needs!
Our Mission
ECCL will drive the exponential growth of the Craft sector’s contribution to the Trinidad and Tobago economy; world-class production and export of Trinidad and Tobago craft products; sustained development of craft artisans into successful businesses; and the facilitation of income generating opportunities that enhance social development, through a combination of skilled and trained human resources, efficient operations.
Our Vision
A dynamic Craft Industry that exemplifies the creativity and culture of the nation, and significantly contributes to the economic diversification of Trinidad and Tobago.
Our Vision
ECCL sees itself as the leading institution involved in the revitalization of the local handicraft and fashion industry and playing a major role in artisan development
Our Mission
ECCL sees itself as the leading institution involved in the revitalization of the local handicraft and fashion industry and playing a major role in artisan development
Our History
The Export Centre Company Limited (ECCL) was established and incorporated under the companies Act of Trinidad and Tobago on July 3rd, 1996. ECCL was originally mandated to empower members of rural communities, particularly, female heads of households through the production of craft for the export markets.
During the period 2009-2010 there was a shift in organizational strategy with regards, the training programme was re-designed to incorporate a wider cadre of trainees and subsequent craft producers.
The company’s contribution and
impact on society
Craft Sector
Development
Development and revitalization of the craft sector as a business enterprise leading to job creation and exports.
Encouraging
Innovation
Encourage invention and innovation to job creation while exporting the rich heritage of creativity, culture and innate talent of our people.
Poverty
Alleviation
Contribute to poverty alleviation and crime reduction
Craft Sector Development
Development and revitalization of the craft sector as a business enterprise leading to job creation and exports.
Encouraging Innovation
Given the current adverse economic climate whereby an economy primarily based on oil and gas is no longer sustainable or renewable, the need for economic diversity is now of critical importance.
It is now virtually impossible for the state to provide employment and at the same time meet welfare demands for all. We must therefore seek sustenance elsewhere through the non-energy sector. Economic diversity is now seemingly our only option in our fight for economic and social stability.
Quasi Welfare State
Trinidad and Tobago can be viewed as a ‘quasi’ welfare state whereby many citizens are trapped in a cycle of dependency on the state.
